Karachi: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that defending the 18th Amendment and provincial rights is the greatest need of the present time, emphasizing that major health and public welfare projects in the provinces are only possible because of the authority granted under the amendment. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of […]
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Islamabad wants to take back powers from the provinces, we will defend our rights: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Karachi: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that defending the 18th Amendment and provincial rights is the greatest need of the present time, emphasizing that major health and public welfare projects in the provinces are only possible because of the authority granted under the amendment.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new SIUT unit in Karachi, Bilawal stated that the federal government in Islamabad intends to reclaim powers related to education and population control from the provinces. He warned that withdrawing authority from any administrative tier inevitably leads to negative consequences.
Bilawal termed the 18th Amendment the most effective framework for managing the health sector and reaffirmed that the PPP would continue to defend provincial rights. He praised the decision to convert a five-star hotel into a five-star hospital, calling it a commendable initiative. He further highlighted that Sindh hosts one of the world’s largest heart hospital networks and that the PPP has consistently served marginalized communities.
Commenting on the ongoing national debate surrounding provincial rights and distribution of resources, Bilawal asserted that Sindh’s healthcare system stands as the strongest response to such criticism. He pointed to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), noting that the improvement after the 18th Amendment is clearly visible. According to him, provincial institutions in Sindh have strengthened significantly since the amendment was passed.
Four officers including NCCIA Additional Director arrested on allegations of taking 9 million rupees bribe from YouTuber Ducky Bhai’s family
In Lahore, details have come forward of the case registered against National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Additional Director Chaudhry Sarfraz and other officers. This case was registered on the complaint of famous YouTuber Saad-ur-Rehman, known as Ducky Bhai’s wife, Aroob Jatoi, in which serious allegations of bribery are included.
According to the FIR, a total of 9 million rupees bribe was taken from Ducky Bhai’s family. Investigation officer Shoaib Riaz allegedly received 6 million rupees through his frontman in exchange for giving relief to the YouTuber, which was paid by Ducky Bhai’s close friend Usman. Afterwards, Shoaib Riaz received an additional 3 million rupees bribe so that Ducky Bhai’s judicial remand could be arranged.
The FIR also states that Shoaib Riaz placed 5 million rupees with a car showroom owner through a frontman, while he kept 2 million rupees with himself, and out of this, 500,000 rupees were given to Additional Director Chaudhry Sarfraz. The case states that the accused misused their authority and tried to influence the legal process by taking bribes.
It is clear that yesterday the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), while conducting an operation in Lahore, arrested four officers including NCCIA Additional Director Chaudhry Sarfraz.
Ducky Bhai has been in NCCIA custody since August 20, and he is accused of being connected with an international online gambling network and promoting gambling apps on social media in exchange for large sums of money. His bail applications have been judicially rejected, due to which he is still in jail on judicial remand.
Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari Reaffirms Pakistan’s Commitment to Eradicating Polio on World Polio Day
Islamabad, October 24, 2025: On World Polio Day, First Lady of Pakistan Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering commitment to eliminating polio and ensuring that every child is protected from preventable diseases. Addressing the occasion, she stressed that while Pakistan has made remarkable progress in the fight against polio, the journey toward complete eradication remains unfinished.
The First Lady highlighted that the few remaining cases of polio serve as a sobering reminder that the struggle is not just a public health issue but a shared national responsibility. “Each child missed is a child at risk,” she said, urging health workers, policymakers, and communities to intensify their efforts to reach every home with the life-saving polio vaccine. Her remarks underscored the importance of vigilance and sustained commitment to ensure Pakistan becomes completely polio-free in the near future.
Recalling the vision and leadership of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who launched Pakistan’s first nationwide polio eradication campaign in 1994, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said her mother’s mission continues to inspire and guide national health efforts. The Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari polio campaign, she said, is deeply personal — not just as a national cause but as part of her own family’s legacy of service to the people.
She shared a heartfelt memory from her childhood, noting that Pakistan’s historic anti-polio drive was inaugurated when her mother, the then Prime Minister, personally administered the country’s first-ever polio drops to her. “That moment,” she reflected, “marked the beginning of a national journey that I feel deeply connected to — one that I have pledged to continue until every Pakistani child is safe from polio.”
In her message, the First Lady expressed profound gratitude to the thousands of health workers, vaccinators, and security personnel who serve selflessly on the frontlines of Pakistan’s polio eradication campaign. She particularly commended the women vaccinators who travel to remote and difficult terrains, often at personal risk, to make sure no child is left unvaccinated.
“These women are the real heroes of Pakistan’s fight against polio,” she said, adding that the Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari polio initiative would continue to honour their contributions and support their efforts. She also paid tribute to those who had lost their lives in the line of duty, saying their courage and sacrifice have brought the country closer to achieving the dream of a polio-free Pakistan.
Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari urged parents, caregivers, and community leaders to play their role by ensuring their children receive the polio vaccine during every campaign. She emphasized that public cooperation is vital to achieving and sustaining eradication goals. “With collective effort and care, Pakistan can secure a future free from polio — a future we owe to our next generation,” she said.
She also reiterated the importance of public awareness campaigns, saying that dispelling myths and misinformation about vaccines is crucial to achieving full coverage. The First Lady noted that Pakistan’s national immunization drive has benefited from increased global support and coordination with organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, but sustained domestic ownership remains essential to success.
Reaffirming her long-term commitment, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari pledged continued advocacy for children’s health and wellbeing. She said her vision aligns with her mother’s dream of a strong, healthy, and progressive Pakistan where every child has access to life-saving vaccines and equal opportunities to thrive.
“Polio eradication is not just about ending a disease — it is about securing the health and dignity of every child in Pakistan,” she concluded. The First Lady called on all citizens to stay united, vigilant, and compassionate until the country achieves complete eradication.
CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza Strengthens Defence Cooperation During Maldives Visit
General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), is currently on an official visit to the Republic of Maldives, where he held high-level meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral defence relations and enhancing military cooperation between the two friendly nations.
During the visit, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza met with H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives; H.E. Mr. Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, Minister of Defence; and Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force of Maldives. The meetings underscored the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and Maldives and reflected both countries’ shared commitment to peace, stability, and mutual development in the region.
The discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including the evolving global and regional security environment, counterterrorism cooperation, and enhanced military-to-military collaboration. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the existing level of cooperation and emphasized the importance of continued coordination to tackle emerging security challenges in the Indian Ocean region.
The General Sahir Shamshad Mirza Maldives visit also focused on exploring new avenues of defence collaboration, including joint training programs, capacity building, and knowledge sharing between the armed forces of Pakistan and Maldives. Both nations reaffirmed their resolve to expand the scope of existing defence ties, emphasizing maritime security, disaster response, and intelligence sharing as key areas of focus.
The civil-military leadership of the Maldives praised the professionalism and operational excellence of the Pakistan Armed Forces, acknowledging their contributions and sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism. Maldivian officials commended Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability, describing Islamabad as a reliable partner in defence and humanitarian cooperation.
During his interaction with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for the Maldives in strengthening its defence capabilities. He highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration between small and medium states in ensuring regional peace and security, especially amid evolving global power dynamics.
The CJCSC also emphasized Pakistan’s vision for regional connectivity and cooperative security under its “peaceful neighbourhood” policy. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to assisting the Maldives in areas such as military training, technical expertise, and capacity enhancement of the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF).
Earlier, upon arrival at the MNDF Headquarters, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza was received with full military honours. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Maldivian National Defence Force presented the Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary, followed by official introductions and ceremonial courtesies.
The General Sahir Shamshad Mirza Maldives visit marks another milestone in Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach within South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. It underscores Islamabad’s strategic interest in maintaining strong defence and security relations with friendly nations through mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.
Defence analysts noted that the visit comes at a time when maritime security, regional stability, and counterterrorism have gained renewed global attention. Pakistan’s proactive engagement with the Maldives, they said, reflects its commitment to multilateral defence diplomacy and strengthening ties with regional partners in maintaining peace across the Indian Ocean corridor.
Pakistan and the Maldives have long enjoyed cordial relations built on shared faith, mutual respect, and people-to-people linkages. Over the years, both countries have worked together in international forums on climate change, maritime safety, and sustainable development initiatives. The defence partnership between the two nations continues to serve as a vital pillar of this broader bilateral relationship.
In reaffirming the commitment to stronger ties, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza expressed appreciation for the Maldivian government’s hospitality and reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to support its defence sector through training, joint exercises, and experience sharing.
The Maldives leadership, in turn, thanked Pakistan for its longstanding cooperation and expressed confidence that the visit would open new pathways for greater coordination and shared security objectives in the region.
Irfan Junejo Becomes First Pakistani to Interview FC Barcelona Players
Karachi, October 2025 — Pakistani YouTuber and filmmaker Irfan Junejo has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first Pakistani to conduct an interview with FC Barcelona players. The historic moment, which fans are calling the Irfan Junejo FC Barcelona interview, marks a major achievement for Pakistan’s growing digital creator community on the global stage.
Irfan Junejo, known for his cinematic storytelling, travel vlogs, and authenticity, shared his excitement across social media platforms, calling the experience “the stuff that dreams are made of.” The phrase has since gone viral, resonating deeply with his followers who have followed his journey from Karachi’s Malir district to global recognition in the creative world.
The collaboration came through a partnership between Begin Watch and LaLiga, the top Spanish football league. Junejo expressed immense gratitude to both organizations for facilitating the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and interview some of the world’s most iconic footballers representing FC Barcelona.
In his posts, Junejo thanked his supporters for their unwavering belief in his craft, noting that moments like the Irfan Junejo FC Barcelona interview prove that digital creators from Pakistan can transcend boundaries and represent the nation internationally. He wrote, “From Malir se Barca tak,” capturing his humble beginnings and his journey to one of football’s grandest stages.
According to Junejo, the complete interview series will be available exclusively on the Begin app, giving fans a detailed look at his conversations with Barcelona stars. Additionally, he announced that a behind-the-scenes documentary showcasing how this collaboration materialized will be uploaded soon on his YouTube channel, allowing viewers to see the creative process and personal emotions behind the achievement.
This project not only marks a personal victory for Junejo but also highlights the global recognition of Pakistan’s growing creative talent. Over the years, Irfan Junejo has become one of Pakistan’s most influential digital storytellers, widely credited for redefining local content creation through his focus on relatable narratives, clean cinematography, and introspective commentary.
Observers within the digital media industry have described the Irfan Junejo FC Barcelona interview as a “watershed moment” for Pakistani creators. It reflects how international brands and sports organizations are increasingly collaborating with influencers from South Asia, recognizing the massive potential of digital storytelling and online audiences in the region.
Junejo’s success also highlights the evolving relationship between sports, media, and influencer marketing. By combining football — the world’s most popular sport — with authentic storytelling, Junejo has bridged the gap between global sporting icons and millions of Pakistani fans who follow both LaLiga and FC Barcelona passionately.
Industry analysts suggest that this achievement could pave the way for future collaborations between Pakistani content creators and international sports entities, potentially leading to co-productions, documentary projects, or regional campaigns promoting global sporting events in South Asia.
Beyond the glitz of global recognition, Irfan Junejo’s story remains rooted in hard work and persistence. His creative evolution — from producing small-scale YouTube videos in Karachi to achieving international exposure — serves as an inspiration to countless young Pakistanis aspiring to enter the digital content industry.
Fans and fellow creators have praised Junejo for representing Pakistan on such a prestigious platform, emphasizing that his success reaffirms the importance of originality, consistency, and storytelling in building a loyal digital audience.
As he continues to share moments from his Barcelona experience, Junejo remains humble about his achievement. “It still feels unreal,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “This was something I could only dream of as a kid watching football highlights. Meeting and interviewing FC Barcelona players is beyond anything I could have imagined.”
The Irfan Junejo FC Barcelona interview now stands as a symbol of Pakistan’s entry into the global creative and sports media landscape — showing that with passion, dedication, and persistence, creators from developing nations can reach global heights.
COAS Asim Munir’s Egypt Visit Strengthens Pakistan-Egypt Defence Cooperation
Cairo, October 2025: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), is on an official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt to bolster Pakistan Egypt defence cooperation and explore new avenues for strategic and military collaboration between the two brotherly nations.
The visit underscores Pakistan’s longstanding ties with Egypt, reflecting a shared vision of regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and defence modernization. During the high-level engagements, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral defence cooperation, joint training programs, and knowledge-sharing between the armed forces.
During his visit, Field Marshal Asim Munir called on Egyptian Minister of Defence and Defence Production, General Abdul Maged Saqar, and Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa Fatehi. The meetings focused on matters of mutual interest, the regional security situation, and practical measures to enhance Pakistan Egypt defence cooperation.
Field Marshal Munir emphasized that Egypt holds a special place as a brotherly country, and close military coordination between the two states would not only strengthen bilateral relations but also contribute to peace and stability in the broader Middle East and South Asia. He expressed Pakistan’s strong desire to expand the scope of existing defence partnerships, especially in counterterrorism, military technology exchange, and defence production.
During his visit to Egypt’s Ministry of Defence, Field Marshal Asim Munir received a warm welcome. A Guard of Honour was presented to him in recognition of Pakistan’s strong military standing and the enduring ties between the two countries. Following the ceremony, he laid a floral wreath at the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and at the grave of the late Egyptian President Mohamed Anwar Al Sadat, paying tribute to Egypt’s historical leadership and its sacrifices for peace in the region.
In another significant engagement, the Chief of Army Staff met with His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, at Mashaikhat Al Azhar Al Sharif. The meeting reflected Pakistan’s commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and intellectual collaboration with Al-Azhar, one of the world’s leading Islamic institutions.
During the discussion, the Grand Imam shared his views on the challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah, including sectarian divisions, extremism, and the need for unified religious understanding. Field Marshal Asim Munir highlighted the importance of eradicating extremist ideologies and countering distorted interpretations of Islam that harm global perceptions of Muslim societies. He reiterated Pakistan’s stance on promoting moderation, peace, and educational reforms in line with true Islamic teachings.
The COAS’s Egypt visit also carries strategic significance in the context of Pakistan’s expanding defence diplomacy across the Arab world. Both nations agreed to continue institutional exchanges between their military academies and to enhance cooperation in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations framework.
Observers note that the Pakistan Egypt defence cooperation is steadily gaining momentum, especially with joint discussions on arms technology, training, and maritime security. Pakistan’s strong military-industrial base and Egypt’s strategic location in North Africa create a complementary partnership for regional security initiatives.
Field Marshal Munir’s meetings also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Egypt’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability, including mediation in Middle Eastern conflicts and countering transnational terrorism.
The visit is expected to pave the way for more frequent high-level exchanges and potentially a new Pakistan-Egypt defence collaboration framework, enabling both countries to coordinate closely on emerging security challenges.
By the conclusion of his Egypt visit, COAS Asim Munir had reaffirmed Pakistan’s enduring commitment to strengthening ties not only in defence but also in diplomacy, education, and interfaith understanding — solidifying Pakistan Egypt defence cooperation as a cornerstone of regional partnership.